Read John Jantsch’s latest ‘Duct Tape Marketing’ Newsletter article titled “Using Web Applications Instead of Software to run your business”. [Article Reprint]


John Jantsch’s latest ‘Duct Tape Marketing’ Newsletter article is reprinted here.

<centerUsing Web Applications Instead of Software to run your business

Searching for the Softwareless Office
Using hosted web applications to run your business instead of software

    John Jantsch

Not long ago I recall that the Holy Grail of business was something referred to as the Paperless Office. This was the notion that software and computers would allow businesses to operate without printing anything on paper. Funny thing is though it seems that while we are much more efficient and much more global, we still go through lots of paper.
The new Holy Grail, if you follow new things, is something I would like to officially term the Softwareless Office. At present, most any function that you might need a computer or working using that computer to accomplish, can be done with an application that is housed on the web and not resident as software. (Maybe this will lead to the officeless office next.)

In today’s issue I present the entire suite of hosted web applications that could allow you to run your business without the use of software. The virtual small business is a reality. Would it be wise today to run out and chuck the software on your computer, maybe not, but you should be analyzing ways to use web based applications to make your business more competitive, more nimble, and more efficient.

One of the greatest and most immediate advantages to online apps is the ability to share and collaborate with anyone who has an Internet connection.

Google (Google Apps) is driving this train pretty hard at the moment and Microsoft (Office Live) has taken note – mix in some pretty terrific upstarts like 37Signals and you’ve got a great environment for more development on this front.

Let’s get the list started – an entire list of web based only applications to run your business – please tell me about your favorites

    Email – Can’t live without it, but now you can check it anywhere

  • GMail

  • IceMail
     WebMail

    Calendar – Share and post calendar for scheduling with your entire team

  • Google Calendar

    Phone systems – Big office tools and international calling that’s free

  • Skype

  • GotVMail

    CRM – Keep the entire sales team moving forward with standardized marketing communication and lead conversion

  • SageCRM

  • Salesforce.com

  • Zoho CRM

    File storage and transfer – Back up you files please!

  • Drop Send

  • Xdrive

  • Box.net

    Documents – Word processing online, compatible with MS

  • Google Docs

  • Zoho Writer

    Spreadsheets – Spreadsheets online, again compatible with MS

  • Zoho Sheet

  • Google Spreadsheets

    Database and Forms – Create custom databases, forms and surveys online

  • Zoho Creator

  • WuFoo

  • DabbleDB

    Design – Graphic and web design tools online

  • Formatpixel

  • SiteKreator

  • Homestead

    Project management – Create projects or even a client Intranet easily and inexpensively

  • Basecamp

  • Collanos Workplace

    Presentations – Create stunning presentations and make sales calls all over the world all day long

  • WebEx

  • GoToMeeting

    Accounting & Billing – Great way to share information with your accountant, even if they live in your town.

  • QuickBooks Online

  • FreshBooks

    Collaboration – Vendors, clients and remote consultants can work together on your toughest challenges, in real time

  • HyperOffice

  • Zimbra

    Remote Access – Get to your PC from anywhere

  • PCNOW

  • GoToMyPC

Office Suites – The entire package (or most of it) from one source

  • Zoho Virtual Office

  • Google Apps

  • Office Live

  • NetSuite

  • WebOffice

Share your favorites!

Related article: Basics of Small Business Web Site Optimization

John Jantschis a veteran marketing coach, award winning blogger and author of Duct Tape Marketing: The World’s Most Practical Small Business Marketing Guide published by Thomas Nelson – due out in the fall of 2006.

He is the creator of the Duct Tape Marketing small business marketing system. You can find more information by visiting www.ducttapemarketing.com

Duct Tape Marketing Newsletter Contents

In this issue:

Resource #1 – The Duct Tape Marketing Forum

Resource #2 – Duct Tape Marketing, the book

Main Article – Using Web Applications Instead of Software to run your business

Resource #3 – Q and A – Are Business Blogs Dangerous?

Resource #4 – Duct Tape Marketing Coaches

Free Magazine – Free subscription to B to B Magazine

Featured Reading – The Energy Bus – Jon Gordon

Featured Listening – Children Running Through – Patty Griffin

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*IMNewswatch would like to thank John Jantsch for granting permission to reprint the latest newsletter articles.